System for product demonstration

ABSTRACT

A product in the form of a household appliance has an internal communications network connecting two or more components, and software architecture implemented on the network that identifies the components, communicates the capabilities of each identified component, communicates the status of each identified component, provides a command interface for operating the components, and facilitates communication between the components and devices external to the product. An external smart device having demonstration software communicates with the internal communications network and is in control of at least one of the components to effect a demonstration of features of the product.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of International PatentApplication No. PCT/US2006/022420, filed Jun. 8, 2006, and InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/US2006/022503, filed Jun. 9, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to demonstrations of products offered for sale,and more particularly to systems and devices to effect salesdemonstrations of products.

2. Description of the Related Art

Products are often made in a variety of models, each having more or lesscomponents that offer different features and operational modes. Cars andcomputers, for example, often have dozens of configurations across thesame product line. Household appliances are manufactured in a largevariety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and with many different operatingfeatures. Vendors of these products typically employ sales persons todemonstrate the various features of a product to potential purchasers.

Manufacturers often make demonstration models of their products for theexpress purpose of enabling customer demonstrations of the features thatthe manufacturer wishes to highlight. A demonstrational or demo homeappliance not available for purchase may be semi-functional, built tolook the same as a production line appliance, but missing manyoperational elements. For example, a demonstration oven might have thecapability to guide a user through an input sequence for specifyingcooking temperature and cooking time, but no heat elements would beincluded in the demo oven. Because demo appliances are not constructedwith the same elements and functionality as a production line appliance,the two versions of the appliance must be manufactured separately, whichcomplicates the manufacturing process and adds costs.

It is also known to incorporate software into a product that will causethe product to go into a demonstration mode on order to show selectedfeatures of the product. For example, a television might be instructedto play a demonstration video while showing different features of abuilt-in audio system. Home appliances are sometimes manufactured sothat they may be operated in a demo mode. In such cases, it is known toupload or change embedded demonstration software in a product such as anappliance as demonstration needs change. But too often, the needs of asales demonstration far exceed the capability of built-in software toaccommodate them.

It is also known for a manufacturer to hard-code a demo mode into aproduct such as an appliance before shipping the product to a vendor.Demonstrations are thus not tailored to target the needs of eachindividual vendor, and promotional offers, which only last a shortamount of time, cannot be included in the demonstrations. In rareinstances, a computer can be connected to the appliance to alter theprogramming. However, this involves disassembling the appliance and/orre-writing the code, necessitating the involvement of experiencedmechanics and/or programmers. As this consumes excessive time andresources, most demo appliances are simply discarded when thedemonstration becomes outdated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A product demonstration system according to the invention includes anappliance comprising: a plurality of components having correspondingfunctionalities; a communications network coupled to the plurality ofthe components; and a software architecture configured to generate aplurality of messages on the communications network. The softwarearchitecture includes a first software operating layer configured tocontrol operation of at least one of the plurality of components by wayof a control logic in a first operational state to implement apredetermined cycle of operation performing a physical domesticoperation on an article in response to messages sent on thecommunications network. The software architecture also includes a secondsoftware operating layer configured to control the operation of the onecomponent in a second operational state in response to messages sent onthe communications network, wherein the control logic by way of thefirst software operating layer is rendered ineffective unless invoked byway of the second software operating layer. The product demonstrationsystem also includes a smart device external to the appliance, coupledto the communications network, and having memory in which residesdemonstration software configured to communicate with the softwarearchitecture to enable and instruct the second software operating layerto implement a demonstration mode, directly operating the one componentto demonstrate its corresponding functionality independent ofimplementing or demonstrating the predetermined cycle of operation andwithout performing the physical domestic operation on the article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration showing a household appliance havingan internal communication network connected to a smart device accordingto the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the household appliance and theconnected smart device of FIG. 1 and further incorporating a pluralityof connected demo devices.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the smart device of FIG. 1 in usewith a component of the appliance and a demo device and showing thecapabilities of the component and the demo device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the smart device, component, anddemo device of FIG. 4 and showing communication via messagestherebetween.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a dryer capable of connecting to a smartdevice according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the interior of the dryer of FIG.5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a user interface on the dryer of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating normal operation of the dryer ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a smart device for connection to thedryer of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an LCD monitor for connection to thesmart device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an air flow demo unit for connectionthe dryer of FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the smart device of FIG. 9, the LCDmonitor of FIG. 10, and the air flow demo unit of FIG. 11 in use withthe dryer of FIG. 5.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a sales demo to be executed andperformed by the smart device, LCD monitor, air flow demo unit, anddryer of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a business method for use withthe invention of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating the affect of various factors onbusiness concepts for inclusion in the sales demo of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention provides a way to enable a production line product tooperate in a demonstration mode, completely controlled from an externaldevice adapted for that purpose. And it does much more as explainedbelow. The invention centers around a smart device connectable to anyproduction product having an internal communications network connectingtwo or more functional components. The smart device containsdemonstration software capable of assuming control of the components inthe product and operating them independently of a sales person, butinteractively with a potential customer. An example of such a productmight be a hybrid automobile with a internal communications networkconnecting an electric motor with a gasoline engine. The smart device inaccord with the invention, can demonstrate features of the automobileinside a showroom in a demonstration mode without having to start thegasoline engine. Another common product type for which the invention canfind applicability is in the field of home appliances.

Household appliances typically comprise one or more components whichperform the electromechanical operations of the appliance. By employinga software architecture that enables facile communication betweeninternal components of an appliance and between an external componentand one or more of the internal components of the appliance, variouscomponents and accessories can communicate with the appliance to expandthe capability, functionality, and usability of the appliance. Theappliance can be any suitable appliance, such as a household appliance.Examples of household appliances include, but are not limited to,clothes washing machines, clothes dryers, ovens, dishwashers,refrigerators, freezers, microwave ovens, trash compactors, andcountertop appliances, such as waffle makers, toasters, blenders,mixers, food processors, coffee makers, and the like.

The appliance can be configured to perform a cycle of operation tocomplete a physical domestic operation on an article. Examples of thephysical domestic operations include a food preparation operation, afood preservation operation, a fluid treatment operation, a cleaningoperation, a personal care operation, a fabric treatment operation, anair treatment operation, and a hard surface treatment operation. The airtreatment operation can comprise, for example, air purification, airhumidification, air dehumidification, air heating, and air cooling. Thefood preparation operation can comprise, for example, food cleaning,food chopping, food mixing, food heating, food peeling, and foodcooling. The food preservation operation can comprise, for example, foodcooling, food freezing, and food storage in a specialized atmosphere.The fluid treatment operation can comprise, for example, fluid heating,fluid boiling, fluid cooling, fluid freezing, fluid mixing, fluidwhipping, fluid dispensing, fluid filtering, and fluid separation. Thecleaning operation can comprise, for example, dishwashing, fabricwashing, fabric treatment, fabric drying, hard surface cleaning, hardsurface treatment, hard surface drying, carpet cleaning, carpettreatment, and carpet drying. The personal care operation can comprise,for example, hair treatment, nail treatment, body massaging, teethcleaning, body cleaning, and shaving.

The internal components of the appliances can include anything thatparticipates in the operation of the appliance. Examples include acontroller (main controller, motor controller, user interface, etc.),which can be a simple microprocessor mounted on a printed circuit board,standing alone or associated with a corresponding device. Other examplesinclude one or more devices such as pumps, motors, heaters, I/O devicesand that like that may or may not be controlled by a controller.Typically, the controller components in cooperation either directly orindirectly, through other components, control the operation of all ofthe components and the associated devices to implement an operation orcycle for the appliance.

The software architecture can be implemented on and communicate over aninternal communications network on the appliance. The internalcommunications network connects the various internal components of theappliance and can be considered a closed network. One example of theinternal communications network used within an appliance is the WIDEnetwork protocol, created by Whirlpool Corporation, the assignee of thepresent patent application.

The software architecture can also expand the communication ability ofthe appliance by effectively creating an open network Within theappliance, the software architecture can, but does not have to, resideon each of the components that have a controller. Those components withthe software architecture form a network node that can communicate withthe other nodes.

The software architecture can perform multiple functions. For example,one function can relate to identifying each of the componentscorresponding to a node on the network, while another function canrelate to identifying capabilities or functions of the identifiedcomponents on the network. Yet another exemplary function is to identifythe status of the components on the network. In this way, the softwarearchitecture can function to inform all of the nodes on the network ofthe presence, capabilities, and status of the other nodes.

The software architecture can comprise multiple modules, each of whichhas different functionality. Various combinations of the modules or allof the modules can reside on each of the components. One module having abasic or core functionality resides on all of the components. In oneanticipated configuration, all of the modules reside at least on themain controller, which establishes the main controller to function as aprimary or main software architecture, with the other nodes functioningin a client relationship to the main software architecture. In such aconfiguration, all of the nodes can communicate through the mainsoftware architecture. The software architecture can be sufficientlyrobust that it can permit configurations without a main softwarearchitecture or with multiple main software architectures. For example,the controllers of the various components can work together to controlthe operation of the appliance without any one of the appliancesfunctioning as a main controller. Regardless of the configuration, anycomponent with the software architecture can function as a client withrespect to the other components.

Because of the software architecture, the internal components of theappliance are not only connected with one another, but the internalcomponents can also be connected to one or more external components or anew internal component through the network. The external componentand/or the new internal component has one, some, or all of the softwarearchitecture modules in resident. As a result, the external componentand/or the new internal component can communicate with the internalcomponents of the appliance and can also communicate with other externalcomponents having the software architecture.

The software architecture can enable communication between the internalcomponents of the appliance and the external component and/or the newinternal component or between components external to the appliance. Anexample of such a software architecture is disclosed in the parentApplication No. US2006/022420, titled “SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR COMMUNICATION WITH, AND MANAGEMENT OF, AT LEAST ONE COMPONENTWITHIN A HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE,” filed Jun. 8, 2006, and incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. All of the communications betweeninternal and external components and/or any combination of componentsdescribed in this application can be implemented by the software andnetwork structures disclosed in this application.

The software architecture can be implemented by providing one or more ofthe software elements of the software architecture at least on each ofthe internal and external components to be controlled. The softwarearchitecture is preferably configured to generate a plurality ofmessages, with at least one of the software elements residing in each ofthe components and configured to enable transmission of at least one ofthe plurality of messages between the components. The messages can betransmitted for bi-directional communication between components. Themessages can include command messages that are used to implement aphysical domestic operation cycle of the appliance.

The messages can be generated by a message generator, which can take theform of the software architecture, an external component, or an internalcomponent. One possible message generator is a user interface. It willthus be apparent that an internal communications network in the productcan be formed of the software architecture resident on a singlecontroller, which, in turn, is connected to one or more devices, none ofwhich have its own controller or software. Also, the internalcommunications network can be formed of multiple devices, any one ormore of which may have a separate controller.

FIG. 1 illustrates the invention in the context of a householdappliance, designated generally by the numeral 10 in a schematicdiagram. The appliance 10 in this embodiment can be any from the groupof appliances discussed previously, or any similar product. Theappliance 10 preferably includes the previously discussed softwarearchitecture having an internal communication network 12 interconnectinga plurality of components 14, wherein each component is capable ofcommunicating with the network 12 by way of the software architecture.The components 14 are conventional and include, for example, motorcontrol microprocessors, key pads, timers, displays, and other devicesand controls typically included within the household appliance 10. It isto be understood that the appliance 10 in the context of the inventionis a production unit that can be purchased by a customer from a vendorfor immediate use without modifications.

The appliance 10 can include a user interface 16 as is commonly usedwith appliances. The user interface 16 enables a user to actuate andspecify the parameters for various operations of the appliance 10. Theuser interface 16 can include, but is not limited to, any number ofwell-known features, such as a digital display, speakers, a touchscreen, a key pad, buttons, switches, dials, lights, and the like.

The household appliance 10 has an internal/external communicationsconnection 18. The internal/external communications connection 18 can beany suitable connecting device, such as a wire or wireless port, anEthernet connector, a wireless-G connector, a USB port, a serial port,and the like. The internal/external communications connection 18 iscapable of connecting to various network interface devices 20 forenabling communication with various external clients or devices.Examples of suitable external network interface devices 20 comprise anysuitable and well-known serial, wireless, infrared, USB and TCP/IPdevice which would be apparent to one skilled in the art. The connectionbetween the internal/external communications connection 18 and thenetwork interface device 20 can be made permanent or temporary. Oneexternal client that can be connected to the appliance 10 via theinternal/external communications connection 18 by way of the networkinterface devices 20 is a smart device 30, according to the invention.The smart device 30 is operably coupled to a network interface device20.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, the smart device 30 can itself comprise anetwork interface device 20 for removably coupling to theinternal/external communications connection 18 of the appliance 10. Thesmart device 30 comprises a read-write memory component 32 and acontrolling component 34, and can be a dedicated device, or beincorporated in such devices as a laptop computer, remote control, aPDA, a cell phone, or a dongle. The smart device 30 can be powered byany suitable means, such as by an internal battery or from a connectionto an outside power source. The smart device 30 can include powertransmission means for delivering power to the appliance 10, such asthrough the communications connection 18. Since, according to theinvention, the smart device 30 will control the appliance 10 in a salesdemonstration mode, as explained below, it need only deliver enoughpower to the appliance to effectively operate such a mode. The smartdevice 30 can also be enabled to connect to other devices (such as theinternet) by way of additional internal/external communicationsconnections 18 and other network interface devices 20.

The smart device 30 will have its own software capable of communicatingwith the internal communication network 12 in the appliance 10.According to the invention, when the smart device 30 is coupled to theappliance 10, the smart device 30 assumes at least some control of theindividual components 14 of the appliance 10. For example, the smartdevice 30 can assume complete control of the appliance 10 and commandthe appliance 10 to enter a passive state. The smart device 30 canautomatically assume control of the appliance 10 upon connection of thesmart device 30 to the internal/external communications connection 18.Alternatively, additional stimulation can be required to initiatecontrol of the appliance 10 via the smart device 30, such as by flippinga switch on the smart device 30 or the appliance 10, or by entering aspecific key sequence on the user interface 16. Once the smart device 30has established control of the appliance 10, the smart device 30 canoperate the various components 14 of the appliance 10 in a mannerdifferent than the components 14 would be operated during normaloperation. This unique ability enables the smart device 30 to change theoperational capabilities and behavior of the appliance 10 temporarilywithout requiring any modifications of the appliance 10 or itscomponents 14.

The smart device 30 can use its memory component 32 to store salesdemonstration software, for example, hereinafter referred to as “salesdemos”, which can be accessed by the controlling component 34. Thecontrolling component 34 can communicate with and control the appliance10 to execute the sales demos. Sales demos can be designed to highlightfeatures of the appliance 10 for the customer and can be interactivewith the customer. Exemplary sales demos include, but are not limitedto, video presentations, audio presentations, displaying promotionsand/or advertisements, light and sound shows, textual displays, 3-Dsimulations, slideshows, voice feedback, key presses, voice command andcontrol, motion sensing, mechanical system custom demonstrations, andany combination thereof. Sales demos can be updated, deleted, modified,and downloaded to the memory component 32 of the smart device 30. Thiscan be accomplished by connecting a network interface device 20 to anappropriate source (such as the internet) by way of an internal/externalcommunications connection 31 of the smart device 30. Examples ofappropriate source include, but are not limited to, a computer, a PDA, aremote control, a cell phone, a dongle, an i-Pod®, the internet, and aUSB drive. Sales demos can thus be made adaptable to the needs ofdifferent vendors and/or manufacturers by downloading different salesdemos and/or modifying or updating existing sales demos accordingly.

As the software architecture enables control of individual components 14of the appliance 10, the smart device 30 can take advantage of thiscapability and combine the control of the components 14 with the controlof one or more demo devices 40. A demo device 40 can be a deviceexternal to the appliance 10 that aids in the presentation of salesdemos. The demo devices 40 will be expected to have their operationcontrolled at least in part by the smart device 30. Examples of suchdevices include, but are not limited to, a proximity sensor, an LCDdisplay, a speaker, a computer, a touch screen, a keyboard, a monitor, amechanical device, a light display, a microphone, a camera, a phone, orthe like. Demo devices 40 can be completely or partially controlled bythe smart device 30. Demo devices 40 can be embedded in the smart device10. Demo devices 40 can instead comprise a network interface connection20 and can be connected to either the appliance 10 or to the smartdevice 30 via an additional internal/external communications connection18. Each demo device 40 can be enabled with the same softwarearchitecture as the appliance 10 whereby the demo device 40 establishesa node on the internal communication network 12 or is part of anexisting node on the network 12. If a demo device 40 is not enabled withthe same software architecture as the appliance 10, the smart device 30can optionally serve as a protocol bridge between the demo device 40 andthe appliance 10. A protocol is a standard procedure for regulating datatransmission between devices; however, not all devices necessarilycommunicate in the same protocol. A bridge effectively translates oneprotocol into another so that devices with different protocols cancommunicate with one another. Thus, the bridge functionality can beincorporated into the smart device 30 and the user does not need topurchase a separate bridge in order for the demo device 40 tocommunicate across the internal communication network 12.

In order to present the sales demos, the smart device 30 can utilizeboth the internal components 14 of the appliance 10 and/or demo devices40, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 3. An internal component14 and a demo device 40 can each have visual output 44, audio output 46,and/or sensory output 48 capabilities which can serve a number ofpurposes, such as encouraging customers to interact with the appliance10, offering product information and demonstrations, and presentingvarious promotions and advertisements. The internal component 14 anddemo device 40 can also have visual input 54, audio input 56, and/orsensory input 58 capabilities which can serve additional purposes, suchas answering customer questions, responding to customer commands, andcollecting information regarding the customer and his or her behavior.The internal component 14 and demo device 40 can be controlled tooperate passively or to require customer actuation for operation.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the smart device 30 can also command theinternal component 14 and demo device 40 to work in combination withother internal components 14 and/or demo devices 40. For example, acomponent 14 or demo device 40 capable of receiving sensory input 58,such as a button or a motion sensor, can send a detailed message 60across the internal communication network 12 upon receiving sensoryinput 58 from a customer. A demo device 40 or an internal component 14having visual output 44 means, such as a light on the appliance 10 or anLCD screen hanging above the appliance 10, can receive the message 60and provide certain visual output 44 responsive to the sensory input 58.The relationships between components 14 and demo devices 40 and thereactions to messages sent therebetween can be controlled by the smartdevice 30.

An example of a household appliance according to the invention isillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 as a dryer. The clothes dryer 100 describedherein shares many features of a well-known automatic clothes dryer, andwill not be described in detail except as necessary for a completeunderstanding of the invention. In this example, the dryer 100 includesa feature wherein the dryer 100 can adjust the pressure in the flow ofair to accommodate different load types and different home ventingsystems. The dryer 100 includes a plurality of elements common to adryer, such as a cabinet 102 having a user interface 104 for controllingthe operation of the dryer 100, a partially translucent door 106hingedly attached to a front wall 120 of the cabinet 102, a rear wall124, and a pair of side walls 122 supporting a top wall 118. Twointernal/external communications connections in the form of two USBports 190, 192 are located on the user interface 104.

Looking now more closely at FIG. 6, the interior 128 of the dryer 100comprises a rotating drum 130 having an open front for access to theinterior of the drum 130 which defines a drying chamber 132. The cabinet102 also encloses a drum motor assembly 133 adapted in a well-knownmanner for rotating the drum 130 via a drum belt 134. A blower assembly140, a flexible dryer hose or similar conduit 142, and a heater assembly144 in fluid connection with one another and the drying chamber 132 arealso enclosed by the cabinet 102. An exhaust (not shown) is provided inthe rear wall 124 of the dryer 100 for connection to a home ventingsystem (not shown) for venting air.

In normal operation of the dryer, a user first selects an appropriatedrying cycle by means of the user interface 104. FIG. 7 illustratesvarious features that can be included on the user interface 104,including a power button 148, dryer status indicator lights 150, a dial152, parameter adjusting buttons 154, a digital display 156, a startbutton 160, a stop button 162, a first parameter selection button 166, afirst set of indicator lights 168, a second parameter selection button170, and a second set of indicator lights 172, on/off buttons 178, andon/off indicator lights 180. These features can be marked withappropriate indicia to indicate their function. Selecting the dryingcycle can require a user to manipulate several of these features toinitiate operation and specify common drying cycle parameters. Examplesof such parameters include, but are not limited to cycle type, heatlevel, dryness level, air level, temperature, and cycle length.

For the particular dryer 100 described herein, normal operation of thedryer 100 comprises a number of steps 65, 66, 67, 68, and 69 asillustrated in FIG. 8. Each step is illustrated herein as a box. Afeature on the user interface 104 that can be manipulated to effect oraffect a given step is illustrated as a circle having an arrow pointingtherefrom towards the given step. A feature on the user interface 104that produces visual output at a given step is illustrated as circlehaving an arrow pointing thereto from the given step. A first step thatmust be completed prior to the beginning of a second step is signifiedby a thickened arrows pointing from the first step towards the secondstep.

A user powers up the dryer 100 at a power-on step 65 by pressing thepower button 148. At least one of the status indicator lights 150associated with an “on” state of the dryer 100 will become lit uponpressing of the power button 148.

Next, a user can select the drying cycle parameters at a parameterselection step 66. The dial 152 can be rotated to select an appropriatedrying cycle type. Examples of specific drying cycles include, but arenot limited to, a touch-up cycle, an express dry cycle, a timed drycycle, a heavy duty cycle, a cotton/towels cycle, a normal cycle, abulky/bedding cycle, cottons cycle, a delicates cycle, a linens cycle.If the drying cycle type is a timed drying cycle, the user can select adesired cycle length using the parameter adjusting buttons 154 to adjustthe number of minutes that the cycle will last. The user can also selecta desired dryness level and a drying temperature using the firstparameter selection button 166 and the second parameter selection button170 respectively. The first set of indicator lights 168 and the secondset of indicator lights 172 correspond to the first parameter selectionbutton 166 and the second parameter selection button 170 respectively.Each light in each set 168, 172 correspond to a different dryness leveland a different temperature level respectively. The buttons 166, 170 canbe pressed repeatedly to select the different levels.

Once the parameter selection step 66 is complete, the user can press thestart button 160 to begin the drying cycle step 67. As is well-known,the door 106 includes sensing means (not shown) to ensure that thedrying cycle will not start if the door 106 is not closed. In accordancewith the selected parameters, various components 14 of the dryer willperform a drying cycle. Throughout the drying cycle, the dryer statusindicator lights 150 will reflect the operation of the dryer 100. Themotor assembly 133 rotates the drum 130 via the belt 134. The blowerassembly 140 draws air out of the drying chamber 132 and into a flexibledryer vent hose 142. The blower assembly 140 then circulates the airthrough a heater assembly 144 to heat the air. The heated air is thenpropelled through the hose 142 and into the drying chamber 132. Air isvented through the exhaust so as to remove moisture from the dryingchamber 132. This cycle continues according the selected parameters. Themotor assembly 133, blower assembly 140, and heater assembly 144 canoperate at different levels during the drying cycle.

At any time during the cycle, the door 106 can be opened or the stopbutton 162 can be pressed to initiate a drying cycle end step 68. Oncethe drying cycle end step 68 has been completed, the dryer 100 can becompletely shut off at a power-off step 69 by pressing the power button148. This will cause the status indicator light 150 that was turned onduring the power-on step 65 to turn off. Alternatively, after the dryingcycle end step 68, new drying parameters can be entered at the parameterselection step 66. Steps 66, 67, and 68 can be repeated in sequence asmany times as desired by a user.

On/off buttons 178 can preferably be pressed at any time during steps66, 67, and 68 to activate or deactivate additional functions of thedryer 100. On/off indicator lights 180 indicate whether or not theadditional functions are activated. Additional functions can includeturning on a drum light for enabling easy viewing of the contents of thedryer 100, providing an audible signal to a user when clothes in thedryer 100 are partially dry, extending the drying cycle for additionallength of time without heat after completion of the user-specifieddrying cycle in order to avoid wrinkling, and setting the volume of anyaudible signals generated by the dryer 100.

In order to demonstrate the dryer 100, according to the invention, asalesperson or other store personnel can provide a smart device 200,such as that shown in FIG. 9. The smart device 200 includes a networkinterface device in the form of a USB device 202. The USB device 202 isconfigured to be plugged into the USB port 190 on the user interface 104of the dryer 100. The smart device 200 also comprises internal/externalcommunications connections in the form of an Ethernet connector 204, twoUSB ports 208, 210, and a wireless port 212. The smart device 200includes a rechargeable battery (not shown) that can be charged via USBport 210 by inserting an appropriate charger cord (not shown) into theport. Two speakers 216 for emitting sound are embedded in the smartdevice 200. The smart device 200 need not be disposed for customeraccess, but in this particular embodiment, the speakers need to bedisposed so they can be heard. In the illustrated embodiment, the smartdevice 200 is mounted on a wall 218 behind the dryer 100 such that thespeakers 216 are facing outward towards the customers.

Looking now at FIG. 10, a demo device in the form of an LCD monitor 220includes a USB device configured to be plugged into the USB port 208 ofthe smart device 200. The LCD monitor 220 is disposed so that it can beseen by a customer. For example, it can rest on the dyer or be mountedto a separate stand or be mounted to a wall if proximate the dryer suchas wall 218, etc. The LCD monitor 220 includes a screen 222 capable ofdisplaying video and images. The LCD monitor 220 further comprises asmart camera 224 positioned inconspicuously on a portion thereof andconfigured to capture images of customers in the vicinity of the dryer100. The smart camera 224 is able to distinguish between certain typesof customers, such as males versus females and children versus adults.This information is available to the smart device 200. The LCD monitor220 and camera 224 are powered by the smart device 200 via the USB port208.

Looking now at FIG. 11, a demo device in the form of an air flow demounit 230 comprises an elongated transparent conduit 232 and alightweight ball 234 moveably disposed therein. The conduit 232 isremovably mounted to the rear of the dryer 100. The conduit 232 ispreferably a vertically-oriented hollow cylinder. The conduit 232 isrigid enough and suitably mounted so that it extends for a distanceabove the dryer 100 without necessitating additional support. Theconduit 232 is formed of any material suitable for the purposesdescribed herein, such as a transparent and rigid plastic. The ball 234is preferably spherical in shape and has a diameter lightly less thanthe inner diameter of the conduit 232 so that it can freely movevertically therein. The ball 234 is preferably hollow and formed of alow density, low weight substance, such as a plastic. The ball 234 isformed so that it can be seen inside the conduit 232, such as by dyeingthe ball 234 in a bright color such as red. A lower end of the conduit232 comprises an opening 236 configured for connection to and airtightfluid communication with the exhaust of the dryer 100.

The various connections among the appliance 100, the smart device 200,and the demo devices 220, 230 can be seen in FIG. 12. The smart device200 is connected to the dryer 100 by plugging the USB device 202 intothe USB port 192 on the dryer 100. Once the smart device 200 is pluggedin 304, the dryer 100 operates in a passive mode, and the smart device200 assumes complete control of the dryer 100 to present a sales demo240.

Looking now also at FIG. 13, the smart device 200 automatically powersup the dryer 100 upon being plugged in 304 and begins operation in anactive sales demo mode 302, which will be discussed in more detailhereinafter. It is noted that the dryer 100 will be connected to asource of power sufficient to operate the blower 140. That source may bethe smart device 200 itself or an independent source. The smart camera224 and the user interface 104 on the dryer 100 continuously perform acheck 243 for the presence 246 of customers throughout the entire salesdemo 240. The smart camera 224 continuously searches for customerswithin a certain distance of the dryer 100. The user interface 104 alsowaits for and receives any input received from the customer. Customerpresence 246 is detected through the manipulation of power button 148,dial 152, parameter adjusting buttons 154, start button 160, stop button162, first parameter selection button 166, second parameter selectionbutton 170, or on/off buttons 178, or by way of the smart camera 224detecting a customer in close proximity to the dryer 100

The smart camera 224 can identify certain characteristics of customersusing embedded software, such as approximate age and gender. The smartcamera 224 can store records of these characteristics. The smart camera224 can provide this information to the smart device 200 to enable tothe smart device 200 to tailor the sales demo 240 to suit a particularcustomer. An example of such tailoring is targeting male and femalecustomers separately by interchangeably presenting two demos using twodifferent color schemes. One color scheme has been developed to elicit amore positive response from females, and one color scheme has beendeveloped to elicit a more positive response from males. Other examplescould include, but are not limited to, using different types of music,using different voices, using different advertising concepts, andhighlighting different features.

If no customers are detected 244 within a certain distance of the dryerfor a predetermined length of time specified by the sales demo 240, thesmart device 200 switches the dryer 100 into a default sales demo mode300. If a customer presence 246, the smart device 200 will switch thedryer 100 back to the active sales demo mode 302. The default sales mode300 will also run if a customer presses 248 the stop button 162 at anytime during the active mode 302.

In the default sales demo mode 300, the smart device 200 operates thedryer 100 to present a light show 306 using the dryer status indicatorlights 150, the first set of indicator lights 168, the second set ofindicator lights 172, and the on/off indicator lights 180. The variouslights are turned on and off to produce a number of visually-stimulatingpatterns. The smart device 200 also operates the digital display 156 tooutput a variety of displays 308 designed to draw the attention ofpotential customers, such as a greeting or an aesthetically pleasingpattern. The smart device 200 can operate the LCD monitor 220 to displaya variety of promotional offers 309, advertisements 310, and the like.One example would be displaying the text, “20% off, today only,”accompanied by eye-catching graphics depicting the dryer 100. The smartdevice 200 can operate the speakers 216 to output an invitational voiceclip 314 inviting customers to interact with the dryer 100 as well. Anexample of such an invitational voice clip 314 could be an invitingphrase reciting “please press any button to learn about our featureddryer”.

If the user interface 104 detects that a customer presence 246, thesmart device 200 will respond by converting to the active mode 302. Thesmart device 200 will first output an introductory voice clip 320through speaker 216. The introductory voice clip 320 will comprise voiceinstructions inviting the customer to turn the dial 152 or press one ofthe buttons to learn about each feature of the dryer. The introductoryvoice clip 320 will also invite the customer to press the start button160 to learn about the special drying air flow feature of the dryer 100.The introductory voice clip 320 includes instructions informing thecustomer that the stop button 162 can be pressed at any time to exit thedryer demonstration.

If a customer presses one of the buttons 148, 160, 162, 166, 170, 178,the smart device 200 will output a feature-specific voice clip 322through the speaker 216. For example, if an on/off button 178 if pressedand the button 178 has indicia indicating it functions to turn a dryingchamber light on and off, a feature-specific voice clip 322 could beplayed that says, “The light feature will allow you to view the contentsof the dryer without halting dryer operation.” Throughout the activemode 302, the LCD monitor 220 also displays various video clips 324 tosupport the feature-specific voice clips 322. For example, as thespeakers 216 output a voice saying “the light feature will allow you toview the contents of the dryer without halting dryer operation,” the LCDmonitor 220 will show a video clip 324 of the light turning on and offwhile a number of clothing items are tumbling about the drying chamber.

In addition, the smart device 200 can operate the various components ofthe dryer 100 to further the quality of the sales demo 240 by providinga component demonstration 326. The component demonstration 326 cancomprise operation of one or more internal components of the dryer 100in order to demonstrate dryer operation. For example, in conjunctionwith the light-related feature-specific voice clip 322 and video clips324 discussed above, the smart device 200 could instruct a componentresponsible for operating the light in the dryer 100 to switch the lighton and off.

If a customer presses the start button 160, the air flow demo unit 230can be used to present an air flow demo unit demonstration 330. Theblower assembly 140 will be operated by the smart device 200 to producevarying rates of air flow in order to demonstrate the dryer's 100 uniqueair flow feature. The air will flow out the exhaust and into the conduit232 to cause the ball 234 to move upwardly and downwardly in the conduit232. The other components of the dryer 100 that would operate duringnormal operation of the dryer 100 will not be operated, such as theheater assembly 144 and the motor assembly 133. The blower assembly 140will produce varying air flow rates will cause the ball to hover nearthe top of the conduit 232, at a point just above the user interface 104so that a customer can still see the ball 234, and at a pointtherebetween. As the ball 234 is moved about, an air flow voice clip 334will be emitted via speakers 216 that will explain the benefits ofvarying the air flow. The LCD monitor 220 can also display acorresponding air flow video clip 336 of a graph depicting the improveddrying ability of the dryer 100 as compared to competitor's dryers. Uponcompletion of the air flow demo unit demonstration 330, the introductoryvoice clip 320 can be output by the speakers 216 once again.

The smart device 200 can be disconnected 337 from the dryer 100 at anytime to halt operation 338 of the sales demo 240.

Looking now also at FIG. 14, a production unit of the dryer 100 havingthe capability to perform part or all of the aforementioned functions,depending upon model, is shipped by its manufacturer 196 to a vendor 198for sale. Once at the vendor 198, the dryer 100 is put on display at adesired location where customers can walk about and view the dryer 100.The dryer 100 may be plugged into a power source, enabling it to beoperated to the fullest extent of its capabilities, but more commonly,it will not be connected to a conventional power source. Here is wherethe invention is most useful.

Various sales demos 240 stored in the smart device 200 can be accessedand updated by connecting a computer 340 having a USB device 342 to USBport 210 of the smart device 200. Alternatively, the computer 340 cancomprise a wireless device (not shown) and can be connected wirelesslyto the smart device 200 via wireless port 212. This is simply a matterof preference and/or availability for each particular vendor 198displaying the dryer 100. New sales demos 240 and sales demo updates 360can also be downloaded via the computer 340. Existing sales demos 240can be updated, modified, or deleted via the computer 340. The computer340 comprises a connection to the internet 346 enabling access to awebsite 350. The website 350 is managed by either the manufacturer 196or the vendor 198. The website 350 comprises a database 354 having avariety of sales demos 240 and/or sales demo updates 360 that can bedownloaded to the smart device 200 using a specially-designeddownloading program 352 installed on the computer 340. The downloadingprogram 352 software can be downloaded from the website 350. The program352 provides a simple interface or window serving to guide a userthrough the downloading process. The program 352 downloads the salesdemos 240 to the smart device 200. The program 352 can also enable auser to modify certain characteristics of the sales demo 240. Modifiablecharacteristics can be designated within the sales demo 240 code.

The sales demos 240 can be downloaded to the smart device 200 andaltered as previously described, which enables the vendor 198 to adaptthe sales demos 240 to suit current business needs. Different salesdemos 240 are available so as to enable vendors 198 to adapt the salesdemos 240 for incorporation of a variety of business concepts 366 asshown in FIG. 15.

Business concepts 366 can include targeting regions 370, incorporatingadvertising campaigns 372, targeting demographics 374, reflectingmarketing strategies 376, and/or including current promotions 378. Thetarget region 370 and target demographic 374 are commonly designated bythe vendor 198, as manufacturers 196 tend to supply appliances tonumerous regions 370 and demographics 374. The advertising campaigns372, marketing strategies 376, and current promotions 378 can be thoseof either the manufacturer 196 or the vendor 198. By differentiating thedryer 100 from other dryers on display at the vendor 198, the salesdemos 240 can help improve sales of the dryer 100. The sales demos 240can be customized according to the vendor 198 and trade partners of themanufacturer 196 of the dryer 100. Furthermore, by locating the salesdemos 240 on the smart device 200, code for sales demos 240 that wouldtraditionally reside on the dryer 100 can be removed from the dryer 100,thereby reducing development time and cost of the dryer 100. Inaddition, information gathered and stored by the smart camera 224 andthe user interface 104 can be accessed by the manufacturer 196 and/orvendor 198 to generate customer profiles 380. Customer profiles 380 canthen be used to generate advertising campaigns 372, marketing strategies376, and the like.

It will be apparent from this disclosure that a manufacturer need onlymake production units of a product and offer them for sale throughnormal distribution channels. The invention provides a very flexible wayto demonstrate the product by enabling a vendor to connect the smartdevice to a given production unit, install specific demonstrationsoftware on the smart device, and operate the smart device to assumecontrol of the product in a demonstration mode. The sales demonstrationcan thus be targeted to a specific market, for example, geographicallyor demographically. The demonstration can be tailored to a specificvendor by simple software changes. It can be made fully interactive witha potential customer, and even tailored to the type of customer that thesystem might be configured to perceive.

While the invention has been specifically described in connection withcertain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that thisis by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variationand modification are possible within the scope of the forgoingdisclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of theinvention which is defined in the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A product demonstration system comprising: an appliancecomprising: a plurality of components having correspondingfunctionalities; a communications network coupled to the plurality ofthe components; and a software architecture configured to generate aplurality messages on the communications network wherein the softwarearchitecture includes the first software operating layer configured tocontrol operation of at least one of the plurality of components by wayof a control logic in a first operational state to implement apredetermined cycle of operation performing a physical domesticoperation on an article in response to the messages sent on thecommunication network, and a second software operating layer configuredto control the operation of the at least one of the plurality ofcomponents in a second operational state in response to messages sent onthe communications network, wherein the control logic by way of thefirst software operating layer is rendered ineffective unless invoked byway of the second software operating layer; and a smart device externalto the appliance, coupled to the communications network, and havingmemory in which resides demonstration software configured to communicatewith the software architecture to enable and instruct the secondsoftware operating layer to implement a demonstration mode, directlyoperating at least one of the plurality of components to demonstrate thecorresponding functionality independent of implementing or demonstratingthe predetermined cycle of operation and without performing the physicaldomestic operation on the article.
 2. The product demonstration systemof claim 1 wherein the appliance is a household appliance selected fromthe group consisting of: a clothes washing machine, a clothes dryer, anoven, a dishwasher, a refrigerator, a freezer, a microwave oven, a trashcompactor and a countertop appliance.
 3. The product demonstrationsystem of claim 2 wherein at least one interactive device is connectedto one of the household appliance or the smart device.
 4. The productdemonstration system of claim 3 wherein the at least one interactivedevice is selected from a group comprising a proximity sensor, an LCDdisplay, a speaker, a computer, a touch screen, a keyboard, a monitor, amechanical device, a light display, a microphone, a camera, and a phone.5. The product demonstration system of claim 3 wherein the at least oneinteractive device is connected to the smart device.
 6. The productdemonstration system of claim 5 wherein the at least one interactivedevice is selected from a group comprising a proximity sensor, an LCDdisplay, a speaker, a computer, a touch screen, a keyboard, a monitor, amechanical device, a light display, a microphone, a camera, and a phone.7. The product demonstration system of claim 2 wherein the smart devicehas a communication link to an external network whereby thedemonstration software can be changed by way of the external network. 8.The product demonstration system of claim 2 wherein the smart device hasa communication link to an external memory device from which to changethe demonstration software.
 9. The product demonstration system of claim1 wherein the appliance can receive a plurality of inputs that result inan implementation of the predetermined cycle of operation when theappliance is operated without the smart device, but that when the smartdevice is in communication with the communications network, execution ofthe demonstration software in the appliance will cause demonstration ofa functionality of the appliance without affecting the predeterminedcycle of operation.
 10. The product demonstration system of claim 9wherein the predetermined cycle of operation is a first orderedcollection of steps that operate on the article and the demonstration ofthe functionality of the appliance is a second ordered collection ofsteps, different from the first ordered collection of steps and thatdoes not operate on the article.
 11. The product demonstration system ofclaim 9 wherein the appliance is a clothes dryer, the plurality ofinputs results in the predetermined cycle of operation of the applianceto implement a drying cycle, and the demonstration of the functionalityof the appliance is an audio explanation of the drying cycle via atleast one speaker.
 12. The product demonstration system of claim 9wherein at least one interactive device is connected to one of theappliance or the smart device.
 13. The product demonstration system ofclaim 12 wherein the at least one interactive device is selected from agroup comprising a proximity sensor, an LCD display, a speaker, acomputer, a touch screen, a keyboard, a monitor, a mechanical device, alight display, a microphone, a camera, and a phone.
 14. The productdemonstration system of claim 12 wherein the at least one interactivedevice is connected to the smart device.
 15. The product demonstrationsystem of claim 14 wherein the at least one interactive device isselected from a group comprising a proximity sensor, an LCD display, aspeaker, a computer, a touch screen, a keyboard, a monitor, a mechanicaldevice, a light display, a microphone, a camera, and a phone.
 16. Theproduct demonstration system of claim 9 wherein the smart device has acommunication link to an external network whereby the demonstrationsoftware can be changed by way of the external network.
 17. The productdemonstration system of claim 9 wherein the smart device has acommunication link to an external memory device from which to change thedemonstration software.